Bold yet balanced, The Max 2021 from Stony Brook Vineyards offers an aromatic bouquet of crushed geranium, violet, dark berries, and a hint of cool spearmint. On the palate, it is intense and structured, with layers of cassis and graphite framed by finely grained oak and flinty minerality. Petit Verdot contributes depth, color, and rich tannins, creating a cellar-worthy red that will evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years.
Grapes from Bo-Hoek’s sun-drenched vineyards with cool nights were hand-harvested to preserve acidity and ripeness. The 2021 Max, a 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Petit Verdot blend, underwent 24 months maturation in 50% new French oak barrels before careful blending and bottling, producing a structured, age-worthy Cape Bordeaux-style red with rich, harmonious flavors.
Winemaker: Craig McNaught
Winemaker: Craig McNaught
In 1995 the McNaught family purchased an old fruit farm, this property is now known as Stony Brook. With a strong focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Chardonnay, the McNaught family replanted the entire farm to vines and built a small cellar in which to produce the first wines under the Stony Brook label. As time has passed, the ideals of Stony Brook have remained firmly in place and the wines still reflect a strong sense of place and passion.
In 2011, the owners were joined by their son, Craig McNaught, who took over the reigns as winemaker. The latest revelation at Stony Brook has been the introduction of Tempranillo vines to the property, comprising the only component in one of their critically-acclaimed wines, Ovidius.
In 2011, the owners were joined by their son, Craig McNaught, who took over the reigns as winemaker. The latest revelation at Stony Brook has been the introduction of Tempranillo vines to the property, comprising the only component in one of their critically-acclaimed wines, Ovidius.
